Hotel Riviera

The Regency-fronted Hotel Riviera stands at the centre of Sidmouth's Esplanade, its 4-star rooms looking straight out over Lyme Bay. The building dates from Sidmouth's time as a Regency seaside resort, and a lift reaches every floor of the individually designed bedrooms.

An AA 2 Rosette restaurant serves a la carte and table d'hote menus built around local seafood, with a Regency Bar and terrace used for lighter meals and the hotel's Afternoon Tea by the Sea. Public rooms are air conditioned through the summer months, and a valet parks cars for guests who arrive by road. Bedrooms come with fresh flowers, bathrobes and complimentary toiletries alongside the usual Freeview television and tea and coffee tray.

The Esplanade sits a short walk from Sidmouth's town centre and seafront shops. The Sidmouth Folk Festival fills the town for eight days each summer with concerts and dance displays across the seafront and local halls. The hotel also caters for weddings and private functions for up to 120 guests.

**Best for:** Guests wanting a traditional seafront hotel with sea views, a proper restaurant and valet parking sorted on arrival.

**Less good for:** Guests wanting a modern, minimalist room style - the Riviera's character is deliberately traditional, built around its Regency-era architecture.